Close To Campus: Thunderbird Gardens

Thunderbird Gardens, only two miles from campus, is the closest central recreation area attached to several intertwined red rock trails.

Thunderbird Canyon is connected to the Cedar City Northern Mountain Trail System, and contains seven tracks, including Red Hollow and Thor’s Hideout. These trails attach to the Iron Hills Trail System, which includes four tracks such as the C-Trail. These systems are located in the hills east of Cedar City.

The paths attached to Thunderbird Gardens vary in difficulty. The average trail is considered “moderately difficult” and is best suited for upper-intermediate adventurers. Most trails range from one to two miles long, but some are up to four miles.

All trails are open for hiking and biking. Hikers should be aware of downhill mountain bike traffic, especially on the Red Hollow trail.

Razorback, Razorback Wash, Ghost Flats and Red ATV trail are all available for equestrian riding and dirt biking. Ghost Flats and Red ATV trails are the only paths which allow ATV and OHV riding.

Visitors may also rock climb, rappel and canyoneer on beginner courses.

There is fenced-in parking and an information board containing a trail map at the Thunderbird Gardens trailhead. There are no water fountains or restroom facilities so guests should come prepared. The peak season for Thunderbird Gardens is April through early November.

Thunderbird Gardens is located at East 900 South in Cedar City and is open year round.